Features

It’s now 100 percent Suzuki – July 24, 2006

A new motocross offering — the RM-Z250, a re-enhanced version of the motorcycle that was once shared with Kawasaki — highlights Suzuki’s early release of its 2007 two-wheeler models.
“This one is 100 percent Suzuki with a new aluminum frame,” Glenn Hansen, Suzuki’s communications manager, said of the RM-Z250.
The bike’s frame is based on the RM-Z450, which became the first four-stroke to win a supercross championship. The RM-Z250 also features an aluminum alloy swingarm, Showa twin-chamber front forks and rear shock absorber, and Renthal aluminum handlebars.
No suggested retail price has been announced on the RM-Z250 or the RM-Z450, the latter of which will be available in a limited edition RM-Z450Z. That bike, which celebrates Ricky Carmichael’s supercross title, features Team Makita Suzuki graphics, Suzuki yellow-colored wheels and a black seat.
The RM-Z450 also includes a redesigned combustion chamber for more engine power output, an exhaust pipe that has been extended to increase engine power output and new graphics and a gripper seat.
Other motocross changes to the Suzuki lineup include:

  • The RM250 received several engine tweaks that focused on improving power/torque delivery and improved low rpm power;
  • The RM125, the RM85 and RM85L received new graphics and a new gripper seat.
    Dual-sport
    The 2007 DL650 V-Strom (MSRP: $6,699) features an updated engine package that includes dual sparkplugs per cylinder as Suzuki works to meet strict European emission standards.
    “People are perhaps nervous that new emissions requirements mean more exhaust systems that are restrictive, really downgrading engine performance,” Hansen said. “But we’ve done a real good job of keeping performance up there while meeting stricter emission requirements.”
    Consumers also have an option to purchase anti-lock brakes for an additional $500. Another new feature is an adjustable windscreen, which can be angled differently as it’s raised. The windscreen feature was only available last year on the DL1000.
    Other dual-sport models released were the DR650SE ($5,099), the DR-Z400S ($5,599),
    the DR200SE ($3,949) and the DR-Z400SM ($6,199), which now features a tapered aluminum handlebar and front and rear axle sliders.
    Scooter
    Suzuki’s early release includes one of two scooters the company offers in the United States, the Burgman 400 ($5,899).
    “You can really see some differences in styling,” Hansen said of the 2007 Burgman 400. “It’s a new motor, a new chassis, a new front wheel, a lot of really nice new features.”
    That includes the new fuel-injected, single cylinder engine that is water-cooled and meets European emissions standards.
    The 400 also has new dual front disc brakes and a larger, 14-inch front wheel, giving the scooter an increased bank angle of 43 degrees and better overall handling.
    The scooter also features a new instrument panel, which includes the usual instruments plus twin tripmeters and average fuel consumption gauge.
    Cruiser
    Few changes to the Boulevard line were announced.
    The M109R ($12,599) will receive a new cylinder head cover, secondary cover and drive unit cover in a metal rather than a plastic construction.
    New additions to the M50 ($6,899) include a new speedometer, which includes a fuel gauge, and new front brake master cylinder, brake and clutch levers and handlebar switches design. A new Boulevard M50 Special Edition (M50Z – $6,999) will be available in a “tribal pattern” paint scheme, white-faced speedometer and a new seat design.
    The C90 ($10,499, $10,299 in black) also will receive new front brake master cylinder, brake and clutch levers and handlebar switches design.
    Other models in the Boulevard line that were released include the C90T ($11,499), C50 ($6,799 and $6,699 in black), C50T ($7,949), S83 ($8,499), the S50 ($6,499) and the S40 ($4,399).
    Street
    The only street model released is the four-stroke GZ250 ($3,249). psb

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